Agenda item

This report discusses the possible reinstatement of two traffic lanes on the Water End approach to the Clifton Green signals, as were in place before the cycling facilities were introduced. The physical constraints of the site are outlined and various options for reinstating a dedicated left turn traffic lane are developed and discussed. Since most options involve the removal of the existing on-road cycle lane, the report also includes ideas and proposals for alternative ways of facilitating cyclist movements between Water End and Water Lane. The report also includes some other ideas for altering the way the Clifton Green signals operate, with a view to increasing capacity and reducing traffic delays.

RESOLVED:       (i)      That the contents of the report be noted.

(ii)      That consultation take place with local

residents and interest groups regarding Option 1 (retaining both the cycle track build-out and the splitter island) and Option 5 (introducing a central cycle feeder lane between two traffic lanes whilst retaining the splitter island).

(iii)     That, as part of the consultation in respect of Option 1, views be sought as to whether the cobbles should be removed to provide extra carriageway width.

(iv)     That an area-wide review of signal timings for weekdays and weekends be undertaken. (Measure A - as detailed in paragraph 60 of the report) 

REASON:            To balance various advantages and disadvantages linked to the options, with a view to achieving the best overall solution.

Consideration was given to a report that discussed the possible reinstatement of two traffic lanes on the Water End approach to the Clifton Green signals, as were in place before the cycling facilities were introduced.  The physical constraints of the site were outlined in the report and various options for reinstating a dedicated left turn traffic lane were developed and discussed.  Since most options involved the removal of the existing on-road cycle lane, the report also included ideas and proposals for alternative ways of facilitating cyclist movements between Water End and Water Lane.  The report also included ideas for altering the way the Clifton Green signals operated, with a view to increasing capacity and reducing traffic delays.

The Cabinet Member gave consideration to the following options:

Option 1:    retaining both the cycle track build-out and the splitter island, as shown in Annex D of the report

Option 2:    retaining the cycle track build-out, but removing the splitter island, as shown in Annex E of the report

Option 3:    removing the cycle track build-out, but retaining the splitter island, as shown in Annex F of the report

Option 4:    removing both the cycle track build-out and the splitter island, as shown in Annex G of the report

Option 5:    introducing a central cycle feeder lane between two traffic lanes, as shown in Annex H of the report, retaining the splitter island

Option 6:    introducing a central cycle feeder lane between two traffic lanes, as shown in Annex C of the report, with the splitter island removed

Option 7:    retaining the existing layout, as shown in Annex B of the report

The Cabinet Member commented on the commitment that had been given to reinstate the left turn at the junction and stated that it was also essential that the island was retained.

The Cabinet Member stated that he had asked officers to look into the practicalities, costs and knock-on implications of a point closure on Westminster Road/The Avenue but that these measures would require consensus.  The gathering of this information should not be seen as a commitment to implementing such changes.  The Cabinet Member also drew attention to the much smaller capital programme and the resulting implications for such schemes.

RESOLVED:       (i)      That the contents of the report be noted.

(ii)      That consultation take place with local

residents and interest groups regarding Option 1 (retaining both the cycle track build-out and the splitter island) and Option 5 (introducing a central cycle feeder lane between two traffic lanes whilst retaining the splitter island).

(iii)     That, as part of the consultation in respect of Option 1, views be sought as to whether the cobbles should be removed to provide extra carriageway width.

(iv)     That an area-wide review of signal timings for weekdays and weekends be undertaken. (Measure A - as detailed in paragraph 60 of the report) 

(v)     That the possibility of the introduction of a point closure on Westminster Road/The Avenue be investigated.

REASON:            To balance various advantages and disadvantages linked to the options, with a view to achieving the best overall solution.